play in the steering

[SolacE]

Hey everyone, I just bought a 92 camry 186k, the steering has play in it, when i steer around a turn or onto a road failrly sharp the car wont obey, feels very unsecure..like the steering wheel while going straight, will be straight, BUT then it will be at an angel after a fairly sharp turn..and will go back straight again if you yank it or make an opposite turn...i got my wife to steer the wheel while being in park and the engine on and i noticed that the whole rack is shifting while the play occurs while the rack is shifting the wheels dont turn its feels like 2 inches of play im pretty sure the rack is not soppose to have that movement the car has been wrecked in the front on both fenders im thinking soemthing has been knocked out of place. I'm terrified to take it in a shop they'll want to replace every single part..any ideas? thanks

[V6LE_CAMRY]

Check too see if the stabilizer bar and link is broke, that is probably the problem, take the tire off and check to see if any thing is loose or broken re tighten any srews related the the steering system.

[V6LE_CAMRY]

Oh and replace the ps pump fluid by using a shyphon pump and replace the fluid using Mercon III/Dexron transmission fluid. I would recomend using Valvoline Maxlife ATF. Shypon the fluid while the car is off and repeat untill all the fluid comes out bright red. i usually takes almost 2 quarts to get all the fluid taken out. Oh and forgot to mention that when you take the fluid out replace it and take the car out for a spin for a few miles, or shyphon one reserve tabk a day or week. Hope that helps.

[Gary_602Z]

Originally Posted by SolacE

I'm terrified to take it in a shop they'll want to replace every single part..any ideas? thanks

I would be more terrified of driving it! Sounds like the bolts that hold the rack and pinion are brokrn/loose/gone. Get it fixed before you drive it!

Gary

[SolacE]

Originally Posted by Gary_602Z

I would be more terrified of driving it! Sounds like the bolts that hold the rack and pinion are brokrn/loose/gone. Get it fixed before you drive it!

Gary

lol its parked, dont worry...i just want to fix it...

thanks to all.

V6, i'll take a look at that stabilizer bar and the other parts as well.

i didnt know i could use the transmission fluid, but thats what i'll do now. sense i couldnt find any power steering for it.